On Tuesday this week, Safa issued a directive regarding the provincial play-offs in which it said they have noted the Government’s concern about the rising numbers of Covid-19 instances in the Northern Cape province.
THE SOUTH African Football Association (Safa) has urged the observance of strict Covid-19 safety protocols tomorrow when the association hosts the eight-team ABC Motsepe provincial play-offs that will determine the provincial league championship.
On Tuesday this week, Safa issued a directive regarding the provincial play-offs in which it said they have noted the Government’s concern about the rising numbers of Covid-19 instances in the Northern Cape province.
Safa provincial secretary Willem Coetzee said he was also concerned that most clubs do not have the resources to keep players in a safe bubble or camp. “It was for this reason … that the onus will be on each player and club, region and province to always act responsibly and limit their exposure to members of the public,” he said.
The football controlling body then went on to specify a number of safety measures which it recommended clubs should observe during this period. But mainly, Safa have emphasised that no spectators will be allowed into the venues.
This coming weekend will see league debutants NC Professionals take the pitch against Hungry Lions at Upington’s MD Jacobs Stadium at 3pm in what is generally a tussle for the kingship of the western region (coastal).
The next three matches involving all southern region (inland) clubs will take place on Sunday May 30. At the Olifantshoek showgrounds the local ABC Motsepe lads Youngs Stars will host NC Liverpool of Barkly West.
Proceedings will start at noon in Tsantsabane, Postmasburg on Sunday where another newcomer team CF Mots will clash with Tsantsabane Stars at the Ditloung Stadium. They will be followed onto the pitch at 2pm by NC Zasco and Southey Stars who will battle it out for the league honours.
In all, eight teams stand to benefit from the league prize money when the season concludes. Safa have confirmed a total R187,000 prize money pool for this season.
